If you’re just getting started in the world of golf, finding a great set of clubs for your needs can be as difficult as perfecting the swing. Many beginners make crucial mistakes when they buy their first set of clubs and end up regretting their purchase. However, there are a few simple tips any beginner can follow if they want to get the best set of clubs for their needs. Here are four essential tips every beginner should follow when they buy clubs for the first time.

Identify Your Goals

This step is probably the most important one. You first have to identify your goals and assess how much you will be using your set of clubs in the first place. If you’re just intending to play golf once or twice a year, then you shouldn’t put too much effort into finding a set of clubs. You might not even want to invest in a full set in the first place. However, if you’re an avid golf fan and your goal is to perfect your game and gradually progress, then you should give the buying process a little more thought.

Before you decide on what level of quality you are looking for in your clubs, or in what price range, you first have to assess how dedicated you’ll be to the game. Will you be taking golf lessons? Are you prepared to practice often? If the answer to both these questions is no or you’re not sure, then you shouldn’t invest too much in a set of clubs. However, if you’re truly enthusiastic about the game, then it would be wiser to invest a little more if you want to reach your goals and be able to take your game to the next level.

Choose Between Used Golf Clubs and New Golf Clubs

If, after much consideration, you think you’ll only be an occasional player, or if you have the habit of abandoning hobbies quickly, then going for used clubs might be an option. What’s great about used golf clubs is that not only will they be significantly cheaper than new clubs, but they can be easily replaced later on if you get more serious about the game.

However, there are a few things you have to watch out for before you buy a set of used golf clubs. First, you have to look for signs of clubface wear. In many cases, used clubs will have a bright shiny spot right on the clubface. These are to be avoided at all cost. Why? Because those tend to not hold the ball as well and might affect performance. There should also be well defined edges on the clubface; too much wear will affect ball flight. And for woods that are made of materials other than steel, you should be on the lookout for any dents around the perimeter and crown of the clubface.

Be Aware of Different Shaft Options

The two principal factors that beginners should pay the most attention to when choosing clubs are shaft flex and shaft composition. Shaft flex refers to how bendable the shaft will be during impact. Shaft composition is the material the shaft is made of.

Graphite shafts will usually be lighter, and will have more flexibility as well. However, clubs with steel shafts are usually cheaper and more rigid. If you’re younger and have enough physical strength, then steel might be a good option. However, if you’re a senior and you think strength will be an issue, it would be better to go with a steel shaft.

The weight of the shaft will also have an effect on swing speed which will affect distance as well. A lighter shaft might add 2 to 4 mph to your swing speed, which roughly translates to between 6 and 12 additional yards. This is why graphite shafts are so popular among pro golfers at the moment.

On the other hand, steel offers advantages as well, and many golfers still use them for a variety of reasons. This is especially true of scratch-players and low handicappers. They tend to prefer the feedback they get from the shaft as it allows them to have more control over the clubhead. They will usually use steel clubs when they’re not necessarily looking for yardage.

There was a time when steel shafts were seen as the most durable option. But this is not the case anymore. Graphite shafts should follow you as long as you go as long as the shaft isn’t cracked or chipped and the laminate-seal is still intact.

At the moment of impact, vibrations are much more noticeable when using steel shafts. In comparison, the impact will be much softer when using graphite. This can be either good or bad depending on your skill level or preference. Some people will prefer the feedback of a steel club, while others might get tired over time.

Consider Clubfitting

Most clubs on the market are made for the average male around 5’10 in height. If you’re much taller or shorter, than you should consider club fitting. Many pro teachers will go through an extensive club fitting session that might last anywhere between 30 and 45 minutes. If you don’t have that luxury, it’s always a good idea to go to a pro shop for a measuring before you buy them online from a site like golferfx.com.

Conclusion

Now that you know what criteria you should be looking at in a good set of clubs, you can go about looking for the best options for you. Make sure that you assess your level of dedication and how much you intend to use your clubs. If you think you’re only going to be an occasional player, then you should consider investing in a pair of used clubs. However, you have to make sure that they do not show signs of extensive wear.

If you’re going to go for brand new clubs, make sure that you weigh the different shaft options to make sure you pick the right one for your needs and skill level. And finally, make sure you have your clubs fitted if you are significantly taller or shorter than the average golfer.

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